Tower and Town, May 2026 (view the full edition)Reflections On The FutureThinking about the future, which is always unknowable, unpredictable and often dependent on the actions of others which are often outside of our control, especially when there is an unequal balance of power in the relationship with those who impact on our lives, e.g. government/governed; teacher/learner; employer/worker and so on. As our lives run their course, we can find ourselves in a quandary regarding what our dreams, hopes and ambitions will lead to if we pursue them. We question what our priorities should be and what should be the focus of our attention and efforts to improve or develop the talents we have been given, thereby enhancing our own lives but also those of others within our sphere of influence, those in need of help to go forward each day with renewed energy and strength to be the best they can be whatever circumstances life throws our way. Particularly in this season of Easter when we have received the promises made by Our Lord while on earth that He will send His Spirit to accompany us through each day and all the vicissitudes of our earthly journey, leaving with the essential hope and trust(faith) and unselfish ways to carry out the loving plan He has for us day-to-day. This will enable us to look to the future with hope and confidence to face our tomorrows, whatever befalls. Some have given their lives so that we could have the 'tomorrow' they never saw, by their sacrifice bringing peace and tranquillity to our hearts to enable us to treat each day going forward as an opportunity to do good by following the right path towards harmony and care and compassion for others. Thus tomorrow will be a fresh chance to reaffirm our commitment to the things most important and necessary to make the world a better place for everyone, to show our love and concern for our own family, our wider family - the society in which we live, and even our global family, by a humanitarian approach to the current problems which beset us today: conflicts, wars, oppressive regimes and every other man-made disaster which tomorrow may bring. This would mean no-one is left aside helpless and we could welcome each day as it comes with courage and confidence. We could do worse than follow the words of the hymn which begins: Lord for tomorrow and its needs I do not pray. Keep me, my God. from stain of sin just for today...  Catherine Byrne |